1. Applicants must be at least 15 years of age and not older than 20. He or she must be a graduating high school senior who will receive a diploma from an accredited high school, located within the state where they apply. Home schooled students and students attending military or boarding schools are also eligible to apply. Applicants must be accepted for admission to an accredited college or university, matriculating the following year.

2. Each eligible student must have a father, mother or natural guardian who meets the following qualifications: a. The student’s school must be located in the state where the parent is a full-time active employee OR within a 100-mile radius of where the parent is a full-time active employee. b. Parent must be a full-time paid member of the police or sheriff’s department or fire department. Parent/guardian may also be a volunteer member of a fire department. c. Parent or guardian must be an active duty police officer, firefighter, paramedic, or EMT (public sector). Children of administrative staff do not qualify. d. Children of DHS, FBI and other Federal employees do not qualify. e. Children of reserve officers, part-time sheriff’s deputies and retired, deceased or disabled employees do not qualify.

3. Each student must submit a fully completed and signed application. The application may be submitted first, followed by other required documents. Application and all other required documents must be received on or before the deadline to be accepted. Failure to follow instructions can result in disqualification.

4. Students must submit the following: a. Completed and signed application b. Essay (typed) c. Transcripts from the school (or parent if home schooled) that lists the student’s grade point average. GPA must be in a standard 4.0 or 0-100 percent scale or conversion method must be provided (weighted GPA scores accepted). d. Proof of acceptance to a college or university (letter/certificate acceptable; does not have to be the student’s intended college or university). e. Proof of parent’s occupation (copy of ID or supervisory letter on station letterhead acceptable). f. Copies of official SAT and/or ACT test score results. (These may be included on and sent with official high school transcripts). g. Résumé listing academic prizes, awards, hobbies, extracurricular activities and work history. h. Letter of recommendations from a high school counselor, teacher or other outside agency which verifies participation in extracurricular activities and speaks of the student’s character.

5. All materials become the property of the ESA Chartered Chapter (if applicable) and ESA. By submitting an application and essay, the student grants permission to publish any and all essays. Applicants also agree that if they win, they will cooperate in publicity efforts, including (but not limited to) participating in interviews with state and national ESA communications, local, trade and national press, and submitting photos for inclusion in state chapter and national publications, press materials and online. Applicants will make every effort to meet with the local ESA chapter for an award presentation ceremony. (Attendance at such an event is not a requirement but is encouraged.)

6. Awards are based on a combination of academic achievement, national test scores, extracurricular participation and the essay. All decisions are final. The score is based on the following: